Common Name:

General Information

Astragalus chartostegius is a thorny, cushion-forming, deciduous shrub, densely branched at the base, growing 10 - 20cm tall[].
The plant is said to yield a manna

Known Hazards

Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides[].
A number of species can accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element[].
All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage.[]

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - western Iran

Habitat

Rocky places, at elevations from 2,300 - 4,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Astragalus species that produce tragacanth gum are generally low-growing, spiny shrubs found in windy, usually semi-arid regions, often in mountaisn but also near the coast. They will often experience cold winters with frost, rain and snow and hot, dry summers. Most species grow in subarid areas with an annual precipitation of not more than 500mm, with a pronounced dry period of around four months in summer and most of the precipitation in winter. It is possible to grow many of these species outside of these habitats, especially in more continental climates. In moister climates, although they are likely to tolerate the low temperatures, they are unlikely to succeed if both summer and winter are wet unless the soil is very well-drained. Placing the plant in a local rain-shadow, such as the side of a building, can help successful cultivation[, ].
Tragacanthic Astragalus species generally prefer a gravelly soil with a small amount of fine earth[]. Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in poor soils[].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[]. Many members of this genus can be difficult to grow, this may be due partly to a lack of their specific bacterial associations in the soil[].

Edible Uses

A manna is obtained from the plant[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate[]. Stored seed, and perhaps also fresh seed, should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in hot water before sowing - but make sure that you do not cook the seed[, ]. Any seed that does not swell should be carefully pricked with a needle, taking care not to damage the embryo, and re-soaked for a further 24 hours[, ]. Germination can be slow and erratic but is usually within 4 - 9 weeks or more at 13°c if the seed is treated or sown fresh[]. As soon as it is large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.